EXECUTE

The Execute Phase in Kanban includes processes related to managing work within a Kanban Workflow and facilitating deployment of completed deliverables: Getting Work Done, Reporting and Analytics, and Release.

To ensure the effective application of the Kanban method, this chapter identifies inputs, tools, and outputs for each process as either mandatory or optional. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory, indicating they are critical for workflow success, while those without an asterisk are optional.

It is recommended that Kanban Team members and individuals new to the Kanban method focus primarily on the mandatory inputs, tools, and outputs. In contrast, Product Owners, Kanban Managers, and other experienced Kanban practitioners should strive for a comprehensive understanding of all the information presented in this chapter.

This chapter is written from the perspective of a single Kanban Team working on one Kanban Workflow, which may be part of a larger organization, program, or portfolio. Additional information on Scaling Kanban is discussed in a later section.

Figure 7-1 provides an overview of the Execute Phase processes, which include:

1. Get Work DoneIn this process, the Kanban Team focuses on identifying new tasks or features, prioritizing them, and creating visual representations with essential details. The Kanban Board visually maps the workflow, helping teams limit work in progress (WIP), manage flow, and make process policies explicit.
2. Reporting and AnalyticsIn this process, metrics and reports are used to generate insights for workflow improvement. Kanban reports offer a structured way to visualize and analyze key performance metrics.
3. ReleaseThe release process marks the culmination of work items transitioning through the workflow, ensuring deliverables meet quality and readiness criteria before deployment.

These processes are essential for maintaining operational efficiency, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement throughout the Kanban Workflow.

Figure 7 1: Overview of Execute Phase Processes

Note: Asterisks (*) denote a “mandatory” input, tool, or output for the corresponding process.